What kind of key?

Hi all,

Could someone please enlighten me as to what sort of Key I should be looking for for my great grandfathers document box. I'd like to get it repaired, it's currently stuck in the locked position although the top is loose from the bottom. I'm not sure of it's date but I'd guess 1880/90s.

Thanks in advance

 

When I had that problem I took the box with me to a key shop and he immediately was able to match it. But now that I think about it,are there key shops anymore???

 

Maybe @Bev aka thelmasstuff can help out. Her son now runs the locksmith business.

I can only say it looks like it might take the kind of key with a hollow shaft that would fit over what appears to be a pin inside the lock.

 

Yep, I bought a "ton" of old keys years ago and alot of them work on all my antique furniture locks. And YES, not many key shops exist but we have one right down the road. They don't make keys like that anymore but may have old keys that may open it, then you know what to look for. Ebay has antique keys out the keister!

 

Thank you for the replies! No key shops around me to help. I have been out buying up a bunch antique keys today but I am obviously looking at the wrong type of key shape. None work, some were too big but the ones that fit would not turn the lock. It looks like there are slits to the internal side of the lock that something perhaps goes in?

 

Measure the lock from top to bottom. Yours look very small. the open part of the key to the bottom of the key should measure the same - looks like a small key. I'll get mine out, take a picture what you may be looking for.

 

Here's what you should be looking for - about an inch to 2 inches long

 

You could make one, maybe.

 

Did u try just pushing the lil post thingy with a nail or something? And pushing the metal around the post?

 

Thanks again.. the picture of keys are the same sort I have but when I put them in there is nothing latching to pull the lock in.

 

unscrew the lock and pull it out...

 

Customers to our shop used to steal keys and decanter stoppers because they assumed..old key will fit my old such and such, likewise decanter stoppers will fit my decanter... usually impossible.
Have several cupboards at home ..and no keys out of 60 or so that I have fit anything...just lucky if you find one...best of luck...regards..pewter2